Worrying about gains and losses

The movie has finished playing, and the emotions of all the audience members could finally be released. When watching Frank's impassioned speech, some people in the audience started whistling and applauding. However, they had to restrain themselves because the movie hadn't ended yet. They had to hold back until the subtitles appeared on the big screen. At that moment, the suppressed enthusiasm of the audience transformed into applause, filling the Fox Theater to the brim.

Hugo sat in his seat, still feeling a sense of awe. This wasn't his first time watching "Scent of a Woman". He had seen this movie before he traveled back in time, and not just once. But this viewing experience was completely different. In the past, Hugo's gaze was almost entirely focused on Al's exceptional performance. The tango, the car chase, the speech—they all left a deep impression in his mind. But now, Hugo could see more. He could see his own performance and the deeper meaning conveyed by the film.

Movies, especially classic movies, are truly magical vessels. They not only carry people's joys and sorrows but also provide a unique experience with each viewing. Even a bad film may reveal new points for criticism, while a great film becomes more exquisite with time, like aged wine.

Lost in thought, Hugo remembered why he loved movies in the first place: because they can embody people's inner emotions, whether positive or negative, profound or shallow, complex or simple.

The applause in the air wasn't thunderous, as there were fewer than three hundred people in the audience. But the significance of that applause to Hugo far surpassed simple admiration; it was a validation. When the movie ended, Hugo sat in his chair, excited yet apprehensive. He didn't dare to turn around, fearing he would see the disappointment on the faces of the audience. He was afraid his performance would ruin this classic film. But as the applause reached his ears, Hugo's cold and stiff limbs instantly warmed up.

Turning around, in the dimly lit theater, Hugo saw unfamiliar faces with similar emotions: enthusiasm. Frank's speech had stirred the fiery passion deep within each person's heart. That was the charm of movies. At that moment, a warm gas filled Hugo's chest, and an inexplicable emotion reverberated within him, leaving him somewhat bewildered. Finally, his own hands were moved, and the physical sensation of palms clapping against palms allowed Hugo to release his emotions, and a smile blossomed on his lips.

"We should go forward now." Al patted Hugo's shoulder and looked toward the front of the theater seats. Martin, Bo, and the others had already walked over. It was then that Hugo realized it was the premiere of his own movie. As the lead actor, the end of the film screening didn't mark the end for him. He still had to face media interviews and audience questions.

This was the first time Hugo stood before everyone to be scrutinized. The feeling was vastly different from the red carpet of a premiere; it felt like being surrounded by flashing lights from head to toe, creating a warm atmosphere as if one could take flight at any moment. It was a delightful sensation.

"Hugo, your performance in the film was fantastic. It's like you're a completely different person from your role in "Hudson's Eagle". Did you have any special feelings during the shooting process?" Previously, most of the questions were directed at director Martin and lead actor Al. After all, they were the main focus. As for Hugo, being a supporting actor, he had to wait for two rounds before receiving the first question.

Facing such a question, Hugo chuckled. "Well, I think the most important thing is not to think about my previous film anymore." Hugo's self-deprecating remark elicited a wave of laughter from the audience. "Al provided a lot of help during the filming of this movie. He is a great actor, and I must express my gratitude and respect to him."

"What are your thoughts on the Razzie Awards?" Another journalist quickly followed up with this provocative question.

Hugo shrugged, nodding slightly. "I hope I won't drag Al down." Hugo's witty response didn't evade the sharp question, but it wasn't embarrassed avoidance either. Instead, he responded indirectly with self-deprecation and humor, reminding people of his excitement at the Razzie Awards ceremony. It had a comedic effect.

The audience burst into laughter, and Al embraced Hugo's shoulder, patting his chest, and exclaimed, "If performances like yours get nominated for Razzie Awards, I wouldn't mind winning one." Al openly expressed his support for Hugo in front of the media, which was rare. It made Hugo lose some of his earlier wit and laugh with a hint of embarrassment.

Before the premiere of "Scent of a Woman", most of the media didn't hold high expectations for the film. Negative opinions dominated the conversation. However, precisely because no one had high expectations, the surprises after entering the theater were even greater. The post-premiere media interviews became enjoyable, although the journalists still couldn't let go of the Razzie Awards topic. Nevertheless, the atmosphere was no longer stiff and sarcastic.

However, the atmosphere at the event and the reviews written by professional critics were one thing, and the feedback from the audience was another. All of this was still unknown.

The next morning, Hugo, who couldn't sleep all night due to worries about the reviews, got up early. He walked to the kitchen with heavy and stiff steps, sporting two dark circles under his eyes, resembling a zombie. However, upon reaching the kitchen, Hugo forgot what he wanted to do. He looked around the kitchen with vacant eyes, feeling lost. As a result, he floated back to the living room like a ghost, deflated and slouched on the couch.

When Charlize woke up, she witnessed this scene, while Alex stood by the bathroom door, brushing his teeth, helplessly chuckling at Hugo on the couch. Charlize, dressed in a simple T-shirt and sweatpants with slippers, walked to the bathroom door and approached Alex, intending to let him use the bathroom. However, Charlize paused at the door, leaning against the wall, and asked, "What's wrong with him?"

Alex mumbled something unintelligible, and Charlize only caught the word "reviews." She immediately understood that Hugo was worried about the reviews of the movie "Scent of a Woman". After Alex finished spitting out the foam in his mouth, he continued, "He was tossing and turning in his room all night. I could hear his restlessness through the walls. He's been sitting there like this since he got up in the morning." Alex added with enthusiasm, "And that's just after I woke up."

Both Charlize and Alex had never experienced such a situation before, so they couldn't comprehend Hugo's anxiety. Instead, they found it somewhat amusing. In fact, they had been reassuring Hugo throughout the previous night, assuring him that the media reviews would be positive because the premiere had received an excellent response. But no matter how much they comforted him, it was difficult to calm Hugo's inner restlessness.

Charlize pursed her lips, crossed her arms in front of her chest, walked to the side of the couch, and kicked Hugo's left foot with her right foot. As a result, Hugo turned his head slowly, but his amber eyes were obscured by long eyelashes, making it impossible to see any glimmer in his eyes—they were just blurry. Charlize asked with a wry smile, "Didn't sleep at all last night?"

"Maybe," Hugo's mind was sluggish. He himself wasn't sure whether he slept or not last night. He used to find it unbelievable how people worried about movie reviews and box office results. But now that he was in the same situation, he realized what a terrifying torment it could be.

Looking at Hugo in this state, mischievous thoughts popped into Charlize's mind. She looked around, beckoning Alex to join her. Alex, who was confused, walked over with a towel in his hand. Then Charlize gestured and mimed something to Alex, and he burst into laughter.

The two of them positioned themselves on one side of the couch and vigorously shook it, while nervously shouting, "Earthquake! Earthquake!"

Startled, Hugo, who had been lying on the couch in a daze, immediately jumped up, joining in the shouting, "Earthquake! Earthquake!" He looked around, seemingly searching for an escape route. However, before he could take a step, he saw Charlize and Alex laughing uncontrollably beside him.

Only then did Hugo snap out of it and realize that the room wasn't shaking at all—it was just a prank. Hugo wore a helpless smile on his face. After thinking about his foolish actions just now, he laughed even more. The more he thought about it, the funnier it became.

Hugo knew that he cared too much about success or failure, or else he wouldn't have spent a sleepless night. It was precisely because the audience's applause and support at the premiere had boosted his expectations that he became more anxious about the media reviews. He found his own overly anxious mindset utterly ridiculous.

At that moment, someone unlocked the front door with a key. Without even looking, they knew it was Joseph. For the sake of convenience, Joseph and Karl were given keys to the third-floor door. Joseph entered the room and immediately saw the three of them standing near the couch, laughing so hard they were clutching their stomachs, leaving him utterly bewildered.

Hugo was the first to notice Joseph's presence. He slightly composed himself, rubbed his sore eyes, and asked, "What brings you up so early?"

"Couldn't sleep," Joseph honestly replied. Shadows of fatigue could also be seen beneath his eyes. He was no less nervous than Hugo, or perhaps even more so. Unlike Hugo, who at least knew that "Scent of a Woman" was a well-received classic, Joseph didn't have that advantage.

After taking a deep breath, Joseph said, "I just received the news. The first media review is out."

As soon as he said that, Charlize and Alex's laughter ceased, and they looked at Joseph. Although they weren't directly involved, they also cared about the performance of Hugo's work. However, Alex's sudden burst of laughter was too unexpected. He couldn't hold his breath and ended up hiccuping, "Oops!" Breaking the brief silence, all three of them burst into laughter together.